Last Updated on March 1, 2023 by Marjon Ramos
Rabbits are incapable of burping the same reason why they cannot vomit. It’s actually why gas in rabbits is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Gas in rabbits would cause them a great deal of pain that would cause them to stop eating. A rabbit that’s not eating can lead to GI stasis, which can be fatal if not treated.
Now that I’ve given you the gist of the article, read on as I explain in more detail if rabbits are capable of burping:
Table of Contents
Are rabbits capable of burping?
No, rabbits are not capable of burping. The reason for this is the same reason why they cannot vomit; their stomach muscles lack the strength to push out gas or whatever’s in their stomach.
Rabbit’s diaphragm muscles also lack the strength to propel gas or food past the cardiac sphincter.
Finally, rabbits do not have a gag reflex, possibly due to neurological reasons (they don’t have the brain circuit that triggers movements relating to gagging).
Why is my rabbit making a burping sound?
As I explained above, rabbits are not capable of burping. However, rabbits do make some sounds that can be mistaken for burping.
Here are the following sounds rabbits make that can be mistaken for burping:
- Grunting
- Clucking
- Purring
- Growling
- Sighing
- Hissing
- Teeth Grinding
- Squealing
- Screaming
- Wheezing
- Sneezing or Coughing
Here’s a great video that explains the different sounds rabbits make:
What to do if my rabbit is making a burping sound?
A rabbit that’s making a burping like sound is not enough to cause a concern.
If, however, your rabbit is making a burping like sound while exhibiting additional symptoms like changes in their poop, urine, or behavior, then you should bring them to a veterinarian.
It’s possible that the sounds you hear are gases in your rabbit’s gut that are causing your rabbit a great deal of pain. Rabbits that are in pain is a serious condition that should be solved as soon as possible because it could stop them from eating.
A rabbit that hasn’t eaten in 24 hours could develop life threatening condition like GI stasis or diarrhea.
Conclusion
Rabbits are not capable of burping, but they do make some sounds that can be mistaken for burping.
If your rabbit is making a burping-like sound and exhibiting additional symptoms like changes in their poop, urine, or behavior, bring them to a veterinarian.
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